can a mole return

Can a Mole Return After It Is Removed?

When you get a mole removed from your skin by a dermatologist, you might think that is the end of everything. The mole is gone, and you can go about your life while never worrying about the mole ever again. Sounds good, right?

Unfortunately, this is not a realistic assumption. It is possible for a mole to return after it has been removed. It is highly unlikely in most cases, though. The only way a mole can return is if a few mole cells still exist in the skin after the mole was removed. Mole cells can cause the mole to regrow on the skin into its original shape and size.

Do not assume that mole regrowth is a sign of cancer. Noncancerous moles have the same chance of regrowth as cancerous moles do. To prevent a mole from growing back, the entire thing must be removed. This means that your dermatologist must go into the deeper layers of skin and remove the underlying base of the mole as well. You can only get this done by electing for an invasive surgical procedure.

The two main types of mole removal procedures are shave excision and surgical excision. The people who elect to get the shave excision procedure are usually the ones who experience mole regrowth because the doctor does not go deep into the skin. They only cut off the mole at the skin surface line, which leaves its underlying base intact.

Those mole cells underneath the skin surface are basically like seeds that cause the mole to regrow like a tree. You need to elect to get the surgical excision if you want to remove these cells from underneath the skin. Once you do that, you should not experience any more regrowth of your mole.

If you’re dealing with a cancerous mole, it is better to go to your doctor as quickly as possible and get it removed surgically. Even though it causes more scarring, it is worth it in the end.

If you need mole removal in San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles, contact us today!

San Diego: (858) 750-9312

Orange County: (949) 755-0189

Los Angeles: (310) 737-8726

COVID-19 Notice

To protect both our patients and our staff, Mole Removal San Diego is limiting in-person appointments until May 15th. We continue to be vigilant in our efforts to maintain social distancing and respect public health guidelines. However, we are currently scheduling patients consultations and procedures with Dr. Peter Mann, our surgeon, for the near-future. Appointments are filling up quickly, so please call (858) 750-9312 to ask questions, learn about our services, and book your appointment.

When we reopen, we will continue to take strict precautions to protect your health. This will include mandatory masks for patients and staff, increased cleaning efforts, and physical distancing measures. Rest assured, your health is in good hands with Dr. Peter Mann.

Mole Removal Scar Prevention

Most people get moles removed from their skin because they are simply located in an awkward place on their body. Some people may be required to get a mole removed because it is cancerous. Either way, a mole removal procedure could leave a scar behind if not taken care of properly. If you recently had a procedure that led to a mole removal scar, continue reading for more information about scar prevention.

Three factors determine whether scarring will be left behind after a mole removal procedure. These factors are the age of the patient, the area where the mole is located on their body, and the type of mole removal surgery they get done. Obviously, you’ll want to minimize the appearance of the scar as much as possible.

mole removal scar

It is very important to correctly treat the area where you had your mole removed in order to avoid scarring.

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about how to prevent mole removal scars! (858) 750-9312

The Mole Removal Process

Do not attempt to remove a mole on your own or else you will definitely scar yourself. Not only that, but you will likely cause an infection as well.

A single mole can be removed in just one visit to the doctor’s office. It will most likely be a dermatologist who performs the mole removal procedure. This could involve either a shave excision, a surgical excision procedure or Radiofrequency Procedure.

The best procedure for reducing or preventing scarring is the Radiofrequency Procedure because it does not cut deep into the skin. Instead, an electrosurgical feathering technique is performed. This technique helps blend the surrounding skin of where the mole was removed in order to make it look the same. That way, you don’t see hardly any scarring.

Other Tips to Avoid Scarring After Mole Removal

Mole Removal Scar Prevention Products

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about how to prevent mole removal scars! (858) 750-9312

Here are some important things to remember after you have had a Radiofrequency Mole Removal procedure. Make sure you call your doctor with any questions you may have. Having a good recovery is very important.

Below are some tips on how to treat your scarred skin area:

1) Do not expose the scarred skin to sunlight.

2) Do not stretch the scarred skin.

3) Clean the skin and keep it moist. Do not let it stay dry. Petroleum jelly is the best product for this.

4) Massage the scarred skin after it has healed with Biocorneum Silicon Based scar recovery gel.

5) Always wear sunscreen.

Home Remedies or Medical Treatment for Your Mole, Skin Tag, or Wart

Moles, skin tags, and warts are common skin lesions that can form at any age and on nearly any part of the body. Most moles, skin tags, and warts are benign (non-cancerous) and cause few issues. Depending on their size and location, these lesions can become painful to touch or movement as they rub against clothing, sheets, and towels. Many patients also have aesthetic concerns regarding their moles, skin tags, or warts and may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

home remedies mole removal

Home Remedies vs Medical Treatment for Mole Removal in San Diego

In either case, there are several home remedies and treatment options depending on the size, shape, and location of the lesion. Doctors may recommend shaving or freezing the lesion, cauterizing it, or applying laser therapy. Cauterization, particularly, is a safe, effective removal option that reduces the risk of recurrence by destroying the lesion-causing cells both above and below the skin.

Some patients may elect to start with home remedies, which often includes topical creams and sprays such as Compound W or Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away. Although these products are available over-the-counter, they should not be used except under the direction of your doctor. Depending on the size and location of your lesion, these products may be ineffective or require multiple applications.

Some patients also make their own pastes or oils using natural ingredients. There is little-to-no research supporting these homemade solutions and they should not be considered an alternative to medical or over-the-counter interventions.

 

Which treatment method is right for me?

wart removal home remediesRegardless of whether you decide to try an over-the-counter product, home remedy, or a medical procedure for your mole, skin tag, or wart removal, you should always see your doctor for a complete examination of the lesion. Your doctor will help you decide which treatment is right for you. Home remedies should never be used as a replacement for actual medical advice.

Home remedies are generally more affordable, but less effective than surgical removal and there is a higher chance that the lesion will return. The most definitive, effective treatment is often surgical removal, which may cost more, but is almost always successful.

If you are considering surgical removal for your mole, skin tag, or wart, schedule your appointment with Mole Removal San Diego today!

Schedule Your Appointment Online

Give us a call! (858) 750-9312

How are Moles, Skin Tags, and Warts Treated?

Moles, skin tags, and warts are common skin lesions that can form at any age and on nearly any part of the body. Most moles, skin tags, and warts are benign (non-cancerous) and cause few issues. Depending on their size and location, these lesions can become painful to touch or movement as they rub against clothing, sheets, and towels. Many patients also have aesthetic concerns regarding their moles, skin tags, or warts and may choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons.

In either case, there are several treatment options depending on the size, shape, and location of the lesion. Doctors may recommend shaving or freezing the lesion, cauterizing it, or applying laser therapy. Cauterization, particularly, is a safe, effective removal option that reduces the risk of recurrence by destroying the lesion-causing cells both above and below the skin.

Some patients may elect to start with home remedies, which often includes topical creams and sprays such as Compound W or Dr. Scholl’s Freeze Away. Although these products are available over-the-counter, they should not be used except under the direction of your doctor. Depending on the size and location of your lesion, these products may be ineffective or require multiple applications.

Some patients also make their own pastes or oils using natural ingredients. There is little-to-no research supporting these homemade solutions and they should not be considered an alternative to medical or over-the-counter interventions.

 

Which treatment method is right for me?

Treatment Options for Skin Lesions

Treatment Options for Skin Lesions

Regardless of whether you decide to try an over-the-counter product or a medical procedure for your mole, skin tag, or wart removal, you should always see your doctor for a complete examination of the lesion. Your doctor will help you decide which treatment is right for you. Home remedies should never be used as a replacement for actual medical advice.

Home remedies are generally more affordable, but less effective than surgical removal and there is a higher chance that the lesion will return. The most definitive, effective treatment is often surgical removal.

If you are considering surgical removal for your mole, skin tag, or wart, schedule your appointment with Mole Removal San Diego today!

Schedule Your Appointment Online

Give us a call! (858) 750-9312

How Much Does Mole Removal Cost?

As with most medical procedures, mole removal is a dynamic process that requires your physician to make judgements based on your specific presentation. The size, shape, and location of moles varies from person to person and these factors may influence the mole removal cost. The presentation of your moles influence the decisions that your physician makes when determining how to remove it. Some moles may also present atypically and pose a risk of developing into cancer, which often requires more aggressive removal techniques.

mole removal cost

How much does mole removal cost?

Each of these factors varies by person and changes the complexity of your specific procedure. Generally the more complex the procedure, the higher the cost. This is why it is imperative that you see your doctor for a consultation before having a mole removed. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history, your symptoms, your treatment goals, and recommend a treatment that will be most effective for you. Once your doctor evaluates you and determines the complexity of your case, his office will provide you with an accurate estimate for your mole removal procedure.

 

Are you looking for mole removal in San Diego? Schedule your appointment today! (858) 750-9312

 

Does mole removal cost change if my mole is atypical or is potentially cancerous?

Most moles can be removed using radiofrequency cauterization, a procedure offered by Dr. Peter Mann at his La Jolla office. However, moles that are potentially cancerous or are atypical in size, shape, or location may require surgical excision to completely remove. In these cases, a biopsy may be performed and sent to pathology to be evaluated for cancer. The diagnosis and treatment of potentially cancerous moles is often covered by insurance as a medically-necessary procedure.

 

Can I use my insurance to cover the mole removal cost?

how much mole removal cost

Mole Removal: Before & After

Unfortunately, most moles are considered cosmetic issues and insurance will not usually cover their removal. Insurance can only be used in specific cases such as pre-cancer, cancer, or atypically symptomatic moles.

In the absence of these symptoms, mole removal is considered a cosmetic procedure for which patients pay out of pocket. The cost, again, varies depending on the complexity of your specific case, the number of moles that need removal, and other factors. The same goes for skin tag removal. Please contact our office if you have any more questions about mole removal cost or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Peter Mann.

If you need mole removal in San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles, contact us today!

San Diego: (858) 750-9312

Orange County: (949) 755-0189

Los Angeles: (310) 737-8726

Things You Should Know Before Mole Removal

Some people may get used to the moles on their face or body. However, there are some cases where moles are just too annoying to leave where they are. You may find it necessary to have a mole removed for either cosmetic or medical reasons. Of course, most moles that form on the skin are not harmful or cancerous; they simply look unattractive. In this case, you need a good cosmetic surgeon to remove the mole for you. Never attempt to remove the mole yourself because it could spell disaster.

Below is some useful information that you should know prior to getting your mole removed.

Diagnosing a Mole

If you want to know if a mole on your body is normal or potentially cancerous, just examine its shape and size. Normal moles are just skin cells that are clustered together. They typically appear alone or with a few other moles around it. The shape should be symmetrical and no bigger than a pencil eraser. The color will be dark or light. On the other hand, a cancerous mole grows much bigger in size and has a distorted, asymmetrical shape. The color may even change too. If you notice this mole on your body, you need a medical professional to recommend the appropriate dermatologist.

 

The Mole Removal Procedure

The mole removal procedure is not as bad as it may sound. The surgeon will either apply a local anesthetic or topical numbing cream to the affected area. Their mole removal method depends on the mole itself. For instance, flat moles are generally shaved away with a scalpel. But if the mole is too big, then the surgeon may prefer to use a laser device to burn down the protruding mass until it is even with your skin. There shouldn’t be any long-term scarring afterward. The full results will be noticeable after a couple of weeks. This gives the skin enough time to rebuild its normal pigmentation.

things to know before mole removal

Mole Removal Before & After: Things to know before mole removal

 

Conclusion

If you are only removing a mole for cosmetic reasons, then medical insurance will not assist you with the cost. Some dermatology practices may offer these types of cosmetic surgeries or you can search for a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in mole removal surgeries. However, if your mole is deemed to be cancerous and a threat to your life and health, then medical insurance may cover some or all the costs. It depends on the coverage of your plan and the seriousness of the mole.

Mole Removal San Diego is the only location in San Diego focusing solely on the removal of moles and skin tags. Come visit us today!

7634 Girard Ave Ste G • La Jolla, CA 92037

Call us to schedule your consultation! 858-750-9312

 

What Are Your Options for Mole Removal?

Everyone probably has a few moles on their skin somewhere. Moles are comprised of skin cells which produce pigment for the skin. When there is a high concentration of these cells in the same location on the skin, you’ll have a mole grow there. The mole usually appears as a circular brown blemish that is raised on the skin. Most moles are not cancerous, so there is no emergency to have them removed. However, they do affect the looks and beauty of a person.

When a person gets a mole on their face, they tend to be very sensitive about it. Humans are a species that cares a great deal about our vanity. That is why we shave our face, use makeup and try to look the best we can. Unfortunately, moles cannot so easily be disguised with makeup. They are going to be apparent no matter what creams or oils you put on your skin. If you truly want to remove a mole, then you’ll have no choice but to remove it.

There are several options available for removing a mole. Most of these options must be performed by a licensed dermatologist. They specialize in treating skin disorders, although a mole removal is not considered a necessity. This means your health insurance provider will not cover the expense of getting the removal done. They will consider it a cosmetic surgery. Please keep that in mind.

Below are the top 4 options for removing a mole:

 

1) Surgical Excision

This is the classic method that dermatologists use to remove moles and skin tags. They will first administer a local anesthetic to the area of the skin that has the mole on it. Once that area goes numb, they use surgical scissors to cut out the mole. Sometimes these moles go deep underneath the skin, requiring a deeper excision to take place. As a result, the skin will need to be stitched up for a while. A scar may even remain after the skin heals.

 

2) Freezing

mole removal before & after

Mole Removal Before & After

If your moles have not sunk deep into your skin and are not cancerous, you can use liquid nitrogen to freeze them off. This is an outpatient procedure that can be done quickly and painlessly. Only a small blister will remain afterward.

 

3) Shaving

The doctor can use a scalpel to shave down the mole until it is just a pink mark on the skin. This is a lighter surgical option than getting an excision done. It will still require a local anesthetic, but it will at least leave your skin intact.

 

4) Laser Treatment

The newest mole removal method involves laser treatment. This is good for non-cancerous moles that are not too thick. The doctor won’t need to make any incisions either. They will simply use light bursts to destroy the skin cells which make up the mole. If you have a mole in a sensitive place like on the ears or face, this might be a good alternative to surgery.

If you need mole removal in San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles, contact us today!

San Diego: (858) 750-9312

Orange County: (949) 755-0189

Los Angeles: (310) 737-8726

Local Business Highlight: Anxiety-Free Dentistry in San Diego

It’s understandable to be afraid of the dentist, but our featured local business owner, Dr. Paige Woods, brings a more unique brand of dentistry to San Diego.. helping patients get over dental phobia with natural methods. It’s holistic, biocompatible, gentle dentistry with an eye toward overall health and well-being, not just healthy teeth and gums.

According to Dr. Woods’ way of thinking, the antiquated concept of treating a patient’s dental needs without regard for overall health is quickly fading.

The Three Rules For Anxiety Reducing, Gentle Dentistry

Dr. Woods has three important rules at her practice that she never breaks:

 

  1. The patient’s needs come first. That means she listens to what you want before any work is done and pays attention to your needs during treatment. Even if she’s right in the middle of something big, just raise your hand, give her a moment to stop and then express your concerns. Whether it’s a twinge of discomfort, some anxiety or just a need to know how things are progressing, your needs come before anything else.

 

  1. The patient is always fully informed. You won’t have to stop Dr. Woods to find out what’s happening because you’ll know in advance. There are no surprises in gentle dentistry. Dr. Woods considers patients a partner in their own care who deserves to know what’s happened, what needs to be done and any alternatives or choices that are available.

 

  1. The patient is never in pain. Never. Dr. Woods is an expert at making sure pain is never a problem and that dental phobia is eased with gentle, effective and long-lasting treatments. If you believe you’re starting to feel pain, she can stop the procedure, take action to make sure all is well and give you time to compose yourself before continuing. For Dr. Woods, it’s all about you and your comfort and health.

Encouraging Holistic Living – And Holistic Dentistry

If you’ve never been to a holistic dentist before, the experience with Dr. Woods will be different from what you’re expecting. She treats her patients as whole people, not just mouths. In addition to dealing with issues that impact the jaw, teeth and gums, she advocates for several principles of holistic living. These include:

  • Eating unadulterated, minimally processed food including cultured foods, vegetable juices and lean protein of the best quality
  • Encouraging good mental health as well as spiritual health by practicing meditation, yoga and other modalities that support mind and body
  • Asking questions and holding medical practitioners – including her – to the highest standard and requiring transparency in all health-related procedures
  • Using biocompatible materials in all surgeries and procedures, including mercury-free composite instead of mercury amalgam
  • Using ozone-infused water instead of medication whenever possible to treat gum pockets and prevent surgery, the need for medication and other issues later.

Dr. Woods has learned through her years of study and practice that creating better bodies through better dentistry is absolutely possible – and always her highest goal. Biocompatibility, holistic practices, gentle dental techniques and a strong desire to do what’s right for the patient come together at Brighton Dental San Diego, where Dr. Woods is the primary dentist.

From replacing old-fashioned silver amalgam fillings with harmless composite materials to explaining the safe alternatives to root canals that are available to you, Dr. Woods is an expert in a new, better kind of dentistry that’s only possible when caring people take the time to learn modern practices and put them into practice for the benefit of today’s dental patients. It all comes together at Brighton Dental with Dr. Paige Woods at the helm.

Dr. Woods’ personal blog: https://paigewoods.com/holistic-dentist/

What to Expect During & After Mole Removal

As skin cells multiply, they normally spread evenly throughout the skin. But sometimes there are natural occurrences where the skin cells group together as they grow. These groups often become pigmented, forming what we identify as a mole. Although most moles are noncancerous and harmless, they often serve as a source of embarrassment for people who have them. Moles typically look like brown, inflamed lesions on the skin.They often appear on the face, neck, and arms — all areas of the body that are quite visible to other people.

Fortunately, there are several mole removal procedures available. If the mole is noncancerous, then the removal is usually considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance. Any moles suspected of being cancerous should be screened by your doctor for biopsy and removal as soon as possible. That is why the first step in any mole removal is to determine whether your mole could be cancerous. Schedule a screening appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice changes in the shape, size, symmetry, or color of your mole. In many cases, removal options are similar for both cancerous and noncancerous moles.

Is your mole cancerous?

Mole removal is typically performed by a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon by one of several techniques. Your doctor may choose to use a scalpel to shave the mole off your skin, or may perform a surgical excision to remove the mole entirely. Moles can also be removed by cauterization or cryosurgery. Either way, you can expect to receive a local anesthetic to numb the pain during this procedure. From check in to check out, the process should take about an hour and most patients return to work or school the same day. If your mole is suspected of being cancerous, your doctor may also choose to order a biopsy of the tissue to determine what type of skin cancer you have, if any.

Immediately after the removal, you will likely need to keep the area moist and covered to mitigate the formation of scar tissue. It is often good practice to apply topical bacitracin for the first few days following your removal. You should also adhere to your doctor’s follow-up plan, including removing stitches, if necessary, and following up with your doctor if a biopsy was ordered. In any event, make sure to follow up with your doctor regularly and always reach out to his or her office if you have any questions or concerns.

If you are looking for mole removal in San Diego we are here to help! Feel free to give us a call to schedule a consultation or you can fill out the form on our contact page and we will get back to you within an hour or two. Thanks!